“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

I had my usual visit with my hygienist last week. Well, actually I haven’t been to see her in six months. So, I really didn’t remember who she was. When she entered the room we had to reintroduce ourselves to each other. I should say, she remembered me, but my MS mind didn’t remember her.

She asked me how my husband was doing, actually calling him by name. Then she asked how my MS was treating me. I told her everything was fine.

I, in return, inquired about her life. She looked at me and said, “I’ll tell you this because you can probably relate.” Then she continued to share with me her very personal recent medical encounter with ovarian cancer and subsequent chemotherapy. I was only expecting a small talk reply so you can just imagine how taken aback I was.

Immediately I realized how tenuous it was for her to even be at work. According to her story, it seemed like she had pain, got diagnosed, surgery, chemotherapy and then was right back to work all within a few weeks time. Of course, it wasn’t actually that streamlined, but it sure sounded like it.

I couldn’t help but feel a shared since of underline hope with her as she told me her story. We talked more as she cleaned my teeth and then we parted ways.

Although our plights can be significantly different, it seems at the end of the day we all just want to be heard. I think it helps us to free our innermost concerns and worries with those that can understand the best. And that’s usually someone who is in a similar situation.

Well said Nicole! The sentence “TO BE HEARD” says so much to any person going through challenging times in his or her life. If you think about it, a small thing like just sitting STILL and LISTENING could even save someone’s life. Continue to Stay Strong my dear cause there is “POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS!!!!”

Beautiful! My dad has been suffering from MS for 14 years, so I completely understand your want to educate those who do not have MS. It’s hard for many people to understand M.S., so they often take the route of judging instead. Keep up the writing! I’m liking it!

Hi Nicole, dental cleanings must be in the air. I too must go but dread laying back in that chair let alone attempting to get in it. I for myself feel that people come in to our lives for a reason and I am guessing that you were a kind soul just listening to her situation. I bet she appreciated it. It just goes to show that we with MS are not the only ones struggling with illness, and talking with others about their struggles gives us a break from ours! Take care thanks for sharing.

So well said, Nicole. And your blog helps many people in exactly that way. Just wondering if you managed to get in and out of the dentist chair OK? I got my teeth cleaned a week ago and what a fiasco trying to fit my wheelchair into that little “booth” and then trying to hoist myself from the wheelchair to the dentist chair (and losing my shoes in the process) and hardest yet, getting my legs up onto the dentist chair. Each time I go I think this is going to be the last time, because I just can’t do this anymore.